Dovizioso sets sail in run-up to Misano

As the MotoGP World Championship sets sail for Misano, JiR Team Scot rider Andrea Dovizioso has been out at sea in a special meeting between two stars of transportation. The Italian accompanied Cino Ricci, the skipper of a 1983 America´s Cup boat, aboard the Andrea Stella designed `Spirito di Stella´ catamaran for an experience of life on the open waves.

`I´ve already been on a sailing boat, but to be honest these were superficial experiences compared to this!´ said an excited Dovizioso after his trip with Ricci. `This is the first time that I´ve been on a catamaran and to be on one designed by Andrea Stella is certainly a special feeling!´

Like his MotoGP day job, the sailing world comes with its own particular adrenalin rush and dangers, something that appeals to the thrill-seeking premier class rookie.

`A few hours are not enough to give me a good idea, but I find it interesting and very different from MotoGP the more I learn about it. In some ways it´s almost surreal and sometimes quite dangerous. To travel at night, see a whale in the sea off the side of the boat, or a maybe an iceberg. It´s incredible. Then from dead calm to be in the middle of a storm in just a few hours. These are situations in which I would not have control, unlike when I´m in a race!´

Whilst Dovizioso thoroughly enjoyed his experience on the water, the Italian remained unsure as to whether he would take the interest to the next level.

`I would still like to navigate with Cino and Andrea somewhere, but perhaps not in a race where speed is everything,´ joked the Honda satellite rider. ` Maybe more like fifteen days by boat on holiday ... I´d certainly prefer the tranquillity of the second choice!´

With his sailing distraction over with, Dovizioso now has to focus on the task at hand this weekend at Misano –a track that had its fair share of water last year. `Dovi´ could very well have taken a home victory in the 2007 250cc race, had it not been for a devastating bike breakdown, and wants to make amends for that disappointment.

`Everyone is motivated to get a good result for both the Italian public and for my championship position. The circuit I like very much: last year I went well in practice and qualifying but then in the race I was victim of a mechanical problem, so I have unfinished business here!´